Encapsulated cells for hormone replacement therapy

A method of administering estrogen, and optionally also progesterone, to a subject in need thereof, comprising administering said subject a composition in a treatment-effective amount, said composition comprising microcapsules, said microcapsules containing both live mammalian ovarian granulosa cells and live mammalian ovarian theca cells, wherein

• said microcapsules comprise a hydrogel core, a hydrogel auxiliary layer surrounding said core, a first semipermeable layer between said core and said auxiliary layer, a second semipermeable layer surrounding said auxiliary layer, and an external polysaccharide layer surrounding said second semipermeable layer, with said hydrogel core containing said granulosa cells and said hydrogel auxiliary layer containing said theca cells;
• and
• said composition is free from oocytes.